What Do Teens Want from the Class Trip?

Education Trip

Generation Z and Your Class Trip

The current generation of teens is far better traveled than previous ones and have different expectations for their trips. What do teens want from the class trip? It’s all about authentic travel and unique experiences with friends!

In fact, a recent study showed that Gen Z is looking to explore the outdoors, go on adventures, and experience new cultures and foods. Thirty-nine percent indicated they wanted to explore new destinations, while 21% just want to “experience something new.”

Even better, after months of staying home, 77% are interested in domestic trips that allow them to experience those magic travel moments.

If you’re planning a class trip and you want a great response, you might want to keep these facts in mind.

Lafayette, LA

Lafayette, Louisiana is your secret formula for an amazing student trip. It checks all the boxes for your Gen Z travelers. It’s an incredibly diverse destination with deep and distinct cultural roots.

Let’s find out more about why this little slice of Cajun country is perfect for your next student adventure! Allons!!

Culture

Most people don’t know that the unusual history of Creole culture and tradition is rooted in plantation life. Before Louisiana became U.S. property in 1803, the Creole functioned in an elitist structure, based on family ties. It was an isolated society that rejected many European customs and “modern” thinking like rules of law. Class, not race, determined social status, and plantations provided both wealth and family name recognition.

When you plan a student trip to Lafayette, your Gen Zers will experience the unique blending of Acadian, French, and African American cultures.

Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center

Explore the areas Cajun roots at the Acadian Cultural Center. Learn about the migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) and other area groups.

Private, ranger-led programs, films, exhibits, and events highlight a variety of local traditions including Mardi Gras, music, storytelling, dance, and food, and explore the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana’s wildest place.

What Do Teens Want from the Class Trip — Photo credit to Lafayette Travel

Vermillionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park

Brilliant red color? Small town? Not quite- but a must-do in Lafayette! Vermillionville is a charming, 23-acre site brimming with outdoor recreation, history, music, food, and more.

Unique Experiences

There’s not another place in the world where you can visit a hot sauce island empire or watch as a handmade accordion is crafted.

These are exactly the kinds of unique experiences and (selfie ops) that teen travelers crave! It’s all about the out-of-the-box moments that they’ll be posting and boasting about.

TABASCO® Brand Factory Tour & Museum on Avery Island

Follow the signs to Avery Island and the only hot sauce bottler in the world. About 150 years ago, Edward McIIhenny started producing his special brand of spicy goodness right here on this three-mile stretch of salt dome.

It’s still family-owned and bottled here today – and you can tour and explore all the island has to offer. Don’t forget to check out Jungle Gardens and Bird City, the Mcllhenny’s magnificent gardens and sanctuary that’s now a world-renowned conservation center.

Martin Accordion

Accordions are no longer just for polka players 65 and older! They have a huge new and trendy following among the younger crowd as well.

RELATED READING: FIND A NICHE WITHIN YOUR PROFESSION

The Martin Accordion Factory has been building the instruments at the heart of Cajun/Creole music for more than 30 years. They’ll share a little music history and show your group the BEST time!

Zydeco Dance Party

Zydeco blends French and Caribbean sounds with rhythm and blues while accompanied by guitar, accordion, and washboard. That’s right – nothing says “party” like a little washboard!

Zydeco is a distinctly Creole sound that originated in southwest Louisiana and is wildly popular today. Bring the funk and fun with a private Zydeco party hosted by Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band.

It’s definitely an “experience something new” moment!

Adventure

Gen Zers are adrenaline junkies! Whether it’s a high-flying ropes course or a trek through murky swamplands, they’re always looking for the next thrill.

McGee’s Louisiana Swamp & Airboat Tours

It really doesn’t get more thrilling than a high-speed airboat ride through gator-laden waters. Experience the vast and mysterious Atchafalaya Swamp at an exhilarating pace or slow things down in a canoe or kayak.

However you choose to adventure, your thrill-seekers will love getting up close and personal with the flora and fauna in the largest swamp in the U.S. Its unusual ecosystem is on full display!

Food

Food takes center stage when it comes to teen travel – which makes perfect sense since I have a 14 and 17-year-old who think of nothing else! Southern Louisiana is one of the best places in the country to try new foods and flavors.

Crawfish Boil

Crawfish season is January through June when many student groups are traveling. Find a crawfish boil at one of the 75+ restaurants that specialize in the unmistakably Cajun treat. Roll out the newspaper and get ready to peel… crawdads top the list of Creole traditions and your students’ hunger for “something new.”